“Tamim” is used in
Deuteronomy 32:4, 2 Samuel 22:31 and Psalm 18:30 in
relation to God’s perfection. But when used in
relation to humans, “tamim” does not mean sinless
perfection. In Genesis 6:9, Noah is said to be “tamim”
or “blameless” or “having integrity” in his
generation. But Noah sinned by getting drunk (see
Genesis 9:21). He was therefore not permanently
sinlessly perfect. Noah was justified by God’s grace
through faith (see Genesis 6:8, 6:9 and Hebrews 11:7).

Job 1:1 records Job
was blameless. In Job 1:8 and 2:3, God declares Job
was blameless. In Job 7:20-21 and 14:16-17, Job admits
he had sinned. In Job 42:6, Job confirms his own
sinfulness: “Therefore I abhor myself, and
repent in dust and ashes.” It is therefore
obvious being blameless before God does not mean
permanent sinless perfection.

At
first, Job could not understand why God willingly
permitted someone like him who was blameless before
God to suffer (see Job 9:22 and 12:4). He did not
realize God is not obligated to bless the blameless in
the form of totally merited rewards. Because the
blameless have sinned, they deserve immediate physical
death and eternal separation from God. But in His
grace and mercy, God forgives the blameless and
blesses them.